BREAKING: The developers behind the proposed affordable housing project at the Elizabeth Street Garden in Nolita have launched a lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams. Filed on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, the lawsuit claims Adams overstepped his authority by designating the lot as city parkland, effectively halting the construction of 123 units meant for low-income seniors.
This legal action comes after the Adams administration shifted its stance earlier this year. Initially poised to evict the garden to make way for the development, officials reversed course in June 2023, announcing plans to build affordable housing in other locations. Days after the general election, Adams formally declared the site parkland, a move aimed at preventing future development.
In their lawsuit, Haven Green argues that the mayor’s declaration was an “extraordinary act of executive overreach,” emphasizing that any new park must follow the city’s land-use process, which requires City Council approval. “The Haven Green project is the product of an exhaustive public process and lawful governmental decision-making that has taken place for more than a decade,” the group stated.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani had expressed intentions to proceed with the eviction during his campaign. However, following Adams’ designation of the lot as parkland, Mamdani acknowledged that it would be “nearly impossible” to move forward with the housing project, as significant construction on parkland necessitates approval from the state Legislature.
Representatives for Adams did not respond to requests for comment on this developing situation. Meanwhile, the Elizabeth Street Garden advocates have expressed a willingness to collaborate with the incoming Mamdani administration to preserve the garden. They argue that Adams’ recent actions reflect the garden’s “environmental, cultural, and artistic significance.”
Officials are divided over the years-long debate surrounding the garden, which has pitted housing advocates against local residents who wish to see the green space preserved. First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro previously announced a deal to advance over 600 units of affordable housing in nearby areas, indicating that developers could break ground on new projects by the end of this year.
As this situation evolves, both sides remain at a standstill, with significant implications for the future of housing in Lower Manhattan. The outcome of this lawsuit could shape the landscape of affordable housing and green spaces in the city for years to come. Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent matter.
